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‘He’s been through so much:’ BC SPCA calls for help for extremely malnourished cat

Merillo is so malnourished that the muscles in his face have wasted away, causing his eyelid to painfully fold in on itself.
Merillo cat BC SPCA1
Merillo was brought into the SPCA’s Vernon and District Branch as a stray this month with severe health issues. Photo: BC SPCA

The BC SPCA is calling on the public to help an abandoned male cat suffering from multiple medical issues and extreme malnourishment.

Merillo was brought into the SPCA’s Vernon and District Branch as a stray this month with severe health issues, including malnourishment so bad that the muscles in his face have wasted away, causing his eyelid to painfully fold in on itself.

Chelsea Taylor, Vernon SPCA manager, said the 13-year-old cat would also require extensive dental surgery so that he can eat without suffering and has been diagnosed as being hyperthyroid. She said vet expenses are expected to reach $1,530 to care for the senior cat. Despite his painful condition, Taylor said Merillo is a "tough old guy" and "a total pussycat" 

“He looks pretty rough right now, but he is such a trooper,” she said.“He loves snuggling and is so happy to be indoors and warm. He greets people with loud meows and is such a happy guy.”

merillo cat 2Merillo was brought into the SPCA’s Vernon and District Branch as a stray this month with severe health issues. Photo: BC SPCA

Taylor said Merillo would require ongoing thyroid medication but should be able to lead a wonderful life moving forward following treatment.

“He’s been through so much, so we really hope people will help us turn things around for this adorable fellow,” she said.

The SPCA estimates Merillo will need two to three months to heal before being able to be adopted into a fur-ever home.

You can donate to help Merillo have a happy life here.